A pre-designated navigation fix used as the starting point for an aircraft’s attack run during Close Air Support (CAS) or strike missions. The IP provides a common reference that helps both the attacking aircraft and the JTAC/FAC coordinate the attack direction, distance, and timing.
Key characteristics:
- Positioning: The IP is usually 5–15 nautical miles from the target, placed to allow a stable run-in while avoiding threats and friendly positions.
- Orientation: The JTAC or FAC will provide a heading and distance from the IP to the target as part of the 9-Line brief.
- Tactical flexibility: Multiple IPs may exist around a target area, giving strike packages options for safe and effective ingress routes.
- Integration: Using an IP ensures that pilots approach from predictable, deconflicted directions, supporting both safety and coordination with ground forces.
Application in DCS World
- Mission designers can create IP waypoints for strike packages, enabling realistic CAS flows. Players can also assign mark points or steerpoints in their aircraft systems to simulate IPs.
- AI JTACs in DCS do not assign IPs as part of their simplified 9-Line briefs. The responsibility falls on mission creators or human FACs/AFACs to define and communicate them.
Cadets should practice navigating to IP waypoints, flying accurate run-ins, and attacking from the assigned heading. In multiplayer, cadets should coordinate IP selection with human JTAC/FACs to replicate real-world CAS procedures.